Learning Resources

STEM Learning Kits with Arduino Sensors Now Free for Teachers

• By Sri Ravipati
• 09/14/17

Ardusat on Thursday made its sensor kit freely available to teachers for the first time through a restructured monthly subscription model, as part of the ed tech company’s rebranding efforts.

Now known as Because Learning, the company said it has lowered price points in order to bring STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education to more consumers. 

The main goal is to help teachers — who last school year reported spending several thousands of dollars out of pocket to cover classroom expenses — gain access to affordable, high-quality STEM learning resources. The kit (typically priced at $150) includes an Arduino sensor board that lets students conduct basic coding experiments and collect data through small, commercial satellites called “cubesats.”

While the kit is free, the slight catch is the accompanying online curriculum costs $18 per month. Still, that subscription includes 100-plus lessons (divided by grade) that meet NGSS and other standards.

The company also said it reduced costs to encourage parents and kids to advance their STEM understanding at home, according to information from the company.

More information is available on the Because Learning site.